Nomination: Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik

Pietro Mascagni’s Zanetto is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, with a recent recording by the Berliner Operngruppe under the baton of Felix Krieger nominated for the prestigious Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik 2026. This distinction shines a spotlight on the opera’s exquisite lyricism and emotional depth, celebrating a vibrant interpretation that brings fresh life to one of Mascagni’s most captivating yet rarely performed works.

Zanetto, Mascagni’s sixth opera, premiered in 1896 in Pesaro, where he directed the Liceo Rossini. Conceived as an experiment in a historically inspired verismo infused with Romantic spirit, the work adopts the form of a one-act opera - echoing the Renaissance tradition of the intermezzo, once a lighter interlude between the acts of a full-length serious opera. At its heart lies a tender love story between two characters on the verge of union, yet ultimately separated when the heroine realizes that Zanetto is not her destined partner and sends him away.

The Chinese mezzo-soprano Yajie Zhang performs the title role.

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